Baker et al. v. City of Florissant

Summary of the cause of action

In violation of due process rights, the City of Florissant jails people unable to pay court fines and fees without any inquiry into their ability to pay. Individuals are held in jail until arbitrary amounts set by the City are paid – usually by friends or relatives. Further, the amount is arbitrarily and significantly reduced when the City recognizes they are unable to profit from the detention. Also, the City issues and enforces arrest warrants for failure to appear in court or at the jail with the money. Individuals are held in jail for days in filthy conditions for days before they appear before the judge.